Greater Manchester’s Violence Reduction Unit is working with Achieve North West Connect to support people on probation who are at risk of violent or other offending by providing a ‘personal budget’. The ‘personal budget’ is intended to uplift and enhance a service user’s life chances and support them with their employment, education, and training goals.

To date, the ‘personal budget’ funding has been awarded to 55 people aged 18-25 on probation in Greater Manchester. The funding, intended to support people on probation in a way that allows them to make positive changes in their live and move away from crime, has proven to make a positive impact on the lives of those that receive it.

The personal budget has funded a range of initiatives, the below case studies give an example of the kind of support provided to young people.

In one case, a young person was offered a work placement in the rail industry, PPE was a requirement but could not be afforded by the young person. The young person was given a ‘personal budget’ to buy a safety helmet, boots, hi-vis clothing, thermals, and safety gloves, allowing them to take up their placement and reduce the risk of reoffending by working towards employment in this industry.

In a second case, funding was provided for a bike for a young person recently accepted onto a Level 3 Personal Training qualification at Manchester College. The bike meant the young person could travel from home to college each day, saving money on a bus fare and improving health and wellbeing by exercising. The bike will ensure he is able to get to college to obtain a qualification and pave a career going forwards.

Referrals to the ‘personal budget’ are made via Community Probation Practitioners.

The ongoing project continues to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.

Article posted on: 20/12/2021 09:12am